@article{fdi:010092474,
  title = {{U}nravelling nutrient dynamics and mixed layer depth variability in the equatorial {A}tlantic : insights from 10°{W} meridional section monitoring},
  author = {{K}ouame, {K}.{D}. and {N}'{G}uessan, {K}.{B}. and {K}ouassi, {A}.{M}. and {T}rokourey, {A}. and {O}strowski, {M}. and {B}rehmer, {P}atrice},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{T}he ocean, a pivotal component of the {E}arth's climate system, exerts a profound global influence through intricate physical and biological interactions within its surface layer. {T}his interplay centers around the mixed layer ({ML}), integral for energy exchange driven by oceanic currents. {A}n essential regulatory function of the ocean involves orchestrating the distribution of chemical elements, with nitrate assuming a pivotal role in oceanic primary production. {N}utrient availability, a cornerstone of primary production, hinges on the mixed layer depth ({MLD}) dynamics, modulated by many mechanisms, including upwelling and convection. {T}his study unravels the interplay between nutrient variability and {MLD} depth, focusing on the {G}ulf of {G}uinea ({GG}) region in the equatorial {A}tlantic. {C}haracterization of the study area reveals distinctive sea surface temperature ({SST}), salinity ({SSS}), and current patterns. {T}he {S}outh {E}quatorial {U}ndercurrent ({SEUC}) and {E}quatorial {U}ndercurrent ({EUC}) play vital roles in surface nutrient transport. {N}itrate distribution unveils latitudinal variations, exhibiting pronounced enrichment during boreal summer and winter. {T}he equatorial region experiences a strengthening of {MLD}s from 10.5 to 35.33 m in summer, which increases the nitrate input from 0 to 2.06 mmol m-3 in the surface layers in the mixed layer. {I}n contrast, boreal winters experience more intense {MLD}s that vary between 20.5 and 64.50 m, supporting high nitrate concentrations of 2.96 to 7.49 mmol m-3, challenging previous hypotheses. {T}his equatorial enrichment is supported by low nitracline ranging from 5.47 to 46.19 m. {B}eyond the equator, the subequatorial and subtropical regions, despite the observed deepening of the {ML}, present low nitrate concentrations (less than 0.5 mmol m-3 with a nitracline that does not reach the {ML}. {H}owever, at 6°{S} and 9°{S}, a respective increase in nitrate content of 0.66 mmol m-3 and 1.2 mmol m-3 influenced by internal waves, advection and surface currents is observed. {T}emperature, salinity, and atmospheric fluxes shape nutrient distribution and primary production dynamics. {T}hese findings illuminate the intricate relationships between oceanographic processes, nutrient availability, and marine ecosystem productivity. {A} holistic understanding is crucial for sustainable resource management and fisheries in the equatorial {A}tlantic and beyond.},
  keywords = {{ATLANTIQUE} ; {GOLFE} {DE} {GUINEE} ; {ZONE} {TROPICALE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{F}rontiers in {M}arine {S}cience},
  volume = {11},
  numero = {},
  pages = {1198106 [10 ]},
  ISSN = {2296-7745},
  year = {2024},
  DOI = {10.3389/fmars.2024.1198106},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010092474},
}